Frank Bird returned to form after steady improvement at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Competing at the track in Belgium, Cumbria’s Bird finished 32nd and then 28th in his opening two races, before he improved in his third race to finish in the top 20.

Opening practice saw the 18-year-old get up to pace in the Be Wiser, Hager, WIX Filters, Loco Energy Drink and Frank Bird Poultry-backed car, lapping just over a second and a half off the pole position setter. But it was in qualifying two that he showed his prowess by qualifying in 10th place as he upped the ante.

Heading into Saturday’s pair of races, Bird, originally from Penrith, was hopeful he had the pace to run with the bunch but could only manage 32nd in race one when fog cut the race short and then he finished in 28th place in the second race.

But, with the help of the Fortec team and his dad Paul, they looked at where the teen could improve. And he responded by coming out of the blocks fighting on Sunday to end up in a superb top 20 position in the third race.

In doing so, he scored his sixth such result of the season but notably his first since Pau in May.

Paul Bird, Frank’s dad and owner of Paul Bird Motorsport, said: “We made a massive step forward this weekend and it paid off in the third race.

“Frank’s results are built on confidence and perhaps that had been lacking in recent races, so it was fantastic to see him back to where he should be this weekend.

“He had great pace all weekend and I watched him at various points around the track and he was so committed.

“I’m really proud of him and it’s been a very pleasing race weekend all round.”

The final round of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup takes place in Barcelona at the end of next month.

Frank said: “Thanks to the team, my sponsors and my dad for making it all possible. Hopefully, we can end the season in style in Barcelona.”